Coming out: it’s one of the most difficult decisions LGBTQ people have to face. For some, it means having an uncomfortable conversation. For others, it can mean risking absolutely everything. Either way, it’s never easy.

No one can tell you when the time is right for you to come out. But when you’re ready, and in a safe space with the right support network around you, coming out is one of the most powerful things you can do to help yourself and inspire others around you who are still unsure about leaving the closet. From athletes who put their careers on the line for the sake of being true to who they are, to awkward accidental outings, coming out stories might make us laugh, cry or cringe, but they always remind us that we’re never alone. Here are a few of our favorite coming out stories: